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FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. – A 26-year-old Army veteran was shot and killed after he allegedly attacked a Maricopa County sheriff’s deputy in Fountain Hills over the weekend.

According to the sheriff's office, David Brandstetter was completely naked and walking in traffic at about 12:45 a.m. Sunday, causing drivers to swerve to avoid hitting him and prompting two 911 calls.

Sheriff's watch commander Lt. Markley Johnson responded to the calls and found the naked man walking on a residential street and appearing to be acting erratically.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said Johnson stopped to investigate and Brandstetter opened his patrol car door, jumped on top of Johnson, punched him and demanded his service weapon.

Arpaio said Brandstetter was a mile from his home when he attacked Johnson.

Brandstetter was married, had three children and was employed as an air-conditioning technician. He was released from the U.S. Army about a year ago.

"Something may have caused this young man to take leave of his senses," Arpaio said. "It's a sad situation all around. But regardless of the reason, the suspect's actions left no alternative for my deputy."